It’s Called Using What You’ve Got

Happy New Year everyone! I didn’t work too much over the Christmas holiday, but I did get this easy project done… and while I realize that most people may not have two vintage Singer sewing machine bases on hand, we did… actually I only had one, but I found an exact match at an auction and snatched it up in order to do this project!

We (really me) wanted to make a table for the kids playroom… I had just bought a low vintage chest that I’m repurposing as a window seat (with storage!) and I wanted a table to sit in front of it for the kids to play with their houses etc.… They love building towns and frequently have their “towns” setup all over the floor and will play with them for days!

This is the story of the build… (it TOTALLY looks like SAH is doing all of the work in these pictures, but he’s not… someone has to take the pictures right?)

We used 3 6×10 pine planks and lined them up on a flat surface.

We attached the planks together with 3 pieces of 1×2’s using 2 wood screws in each plank. We drilled pilot holes prior to screwing… very important or else the wood can split!

We left a gap between each plank, using a paint stir stick as a template, very hi tech!

We sanded the top and sides of the planks with 150 grit sandpaper and took all of the pieces to the playroom to assemble. We attached the top to the bases with wood screws and set the table in place.

I stained the top of the table in place, I REALLY should have stained the planks first because I had to use a teeny tiny brush to get the stain in between the planks… I will remember this for next time! The stain is “Kona” and I only applied one coat as it is a very dark color.

I’m so glad I had all of this help

I knew I wanted to do something else with the top and this is what I came up with… The stencil shape just happens to mimic the shapes in the sewing table bases…

After the paint dried I applied a coat of Briwax Dark Wax to the surface which toned down the blue and gave it an aged appearance, it also added a beautiful richness to the finish…

After the dark wax had dried I applied a coat of Annie Sloan clear wax, making sure to rub it in really good. The next day I came back with some 0000 steel wool and buffed it… what a gorgeous sheen!

This is the perfect place for the kids to sit and play now! They can play board games or setup their LPS houses or whatever! My oldest daughter doesn’t understand why we went through the “trouble” of making this table look nice as she is certain the kids will “mess it up” but I have some faith…

Anyway here is the breakdown of the costs & time in case you are interested:

Sewing table bases: $24 for both (what!, I know…)

Wood: $44

Total = $68

Total time = 2 hrs.

I think that’s pretty awesome for a one of a kind table that is custom made for the space!

I’m super excited and I hope the kids will enjoy using the table! I’m also hoping that the extra storage added with the bench will help the playroom stay more organized but I’m not holding my breath! I still need to make a bench cushion, but I tend to procrastinate when it comes to sewing projects so it may be a while before I get to it…

I love the bases. I have thought of doing that before, just haven’t had the need yet. BTW, did you know you can use the Briwax straight on the wood and it will stain it beautifully. I’ve never used it on a pine plank, but on two different pieces of furniture – one of which I used a dark stain then the Briwax for wax and the other I just sanded and used the Briwax straight on the wood – it worked identically. The depth of color was just as good on the Briwax only piece. I LOVE BRIWAX!!!

Well, Good Lord!! That is fantastic!! You never cease to amaze me. Thank you for sharing this at the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see your prettiness again on Monday. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

What a great project! I have one of those treadle machines in my basement – now to find a match! I would love for you to come link up at my weekly linky party Thrifty to Nifty Thursdays at A Jennuine Life. I’m working with a couple of bigger bloggers to feature great projects, so I’m hoping to bring fabulous exposure for participants! http://ajennuinelife.blogspot.com/2013/01/thrifty-to-nifty-thursdays-2.html

Love your site. I too used my bases for a kitchen table. However I made mine 4′ 1/2” long, put piano hinges on the sides with another 10” plank on each side. This did away with having to have a table to put leafs in, it fits 6 chairs. Painted lace runner down the center. hubby had no idea when I started, but loves it now.